The Leeton Galloping Greens have gone back-to-back to claim the 2023 Group 20 Rugby League premiership.
In a replay of the 2022 decider, Leeton held off a fast-finishing Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters to triumph 28-24 in front of a bumper crowd at Griffith's Solar Mad Stadium.
Leeton shot out of the blocks to lead 16-0 after 18 minutes with Beniel Qereqeretabua, Will Barnes, and Tyler O'Connell all crossing for tries.
When Billy Rabua crossed for Leeton's fourth try - and following O'Connell's third conversion from four attempts - the Galloping Greens looked to be on their way to a comprehensive win (22-0).
The Roosters wouldn't go away and just before the break Guy Thompson, who will be coaching Leeton in 2024, pushed his way over for a vital try.
The reliable boot of Joshua Veivers knocked over the conversion, and Darlington Point-Coleambally trailed 22-6 at halftime.
With their tails up, the Roosters crowed in the first few minutes of the second half with Jon Huggett and Kane Simpson crossing for tries, and following Veivers' successful conversions, Leeton's lead was reduced to 22-18 after 46 minutes.
Leeton hit back when Qereqeretabua, who was named the Barry Hails Medallist as best-on-ground, scored his second try. O'Connell again successful with the conversion meant the Greens extended the lead to 28-18.
Leeton then lost Seb Blackett, who was sin-binned for a late hit, and the Greens had to dig deep.
The Roosters took full advantage with Huggett charging over for his second try, and when Veivers converted, Darlington Point-Coleambally trailed 28-24, leading into the final six minutes.
The Roosters had their chances and attacked both of Leeton's edges in what was a frantic final stanza, but the Greens held on for a four-point victory to claim an epic win.
Leeton captain-coach Hayden Philp was thrilled to see his side handle the momentum swings.
"We started really well, but they got that try before halftime and a couple of quick ones after halftime, and it was anyone's game," Philp said.
"In that last 15 minutes, we had a bloke sin-binned, and they had a lot of ball on our line.
“But we held them out, and our defence and some of those big efforts won us the game."
It's the first time in 89 years that Leeton has gone back-to-back, with their last double recorded when playing in Group 9 during the 1933-34 seasons.
"It's an amazing achievement," Philp said.
"To do it last year felt like a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and to go back-to-back; not many people can achieve that.”
While Philp's first-grade side enjoyed victory on the day, it was an historic day for Leeton, who fielded teams in all five Group 20 senior Grand Finals.
The Galloping Greens Blues Tag outfit lifted the trophy when defeating West Wyalong 16-12, while Leeton's reserves went down to Yenda 26-4, their Under-18s lost to Griffith Black and Whites 36-14, and their Under-16s fell to the Griffith Black and Whites 20-16.
"There has been a great feeling around the club this year," Philp said.
"To have five teams in Grand Finals is a massive achievement, and to win two is great. There is a lot of talent in the club, and we're set for a bright future."
